The SOFEX Jordan 2024 Exhibition and Conference stands out as one of the premier events in the defence and security sector across the Middle East and North Africa. This event brings together a distinguished array of experts, military leaders, and decision-makers from around the globe.
SOFEX is renowned for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in special operations and homeland security, establishing it as an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
To gain deeper insights into SOFEX Jordan 2024 and its key activities, Al Jundi Journal interviewed Mr Ahmad Al Taweel, the CEO of the exhibition, and conducted the following interview with him:
Over the past 25 years, SOFEX has become one of the most important events in the defence sector. Can you explain how SOFEX has evolved and succeeded?
This year, as with every SOFEX edition, we are building on the accomplishments of the previous edition to make SOFEX 2024 as rewarding as the participants expect it to be.
SOFEX 2024 is expected to achieve further success and growth based on the fact that the exhibition space has increased by 30% compared to that of the past edition.
Moreover, the newly built exhibition and convention centre will provide more room for the defence industry to showcase the latest technologies and equipment.
Furthermore, the Aqaba International Exhibition & Convention Center now boasts world-class facilities and services that include 175,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor exhibition space, 8 exhibition halls, private hospitality chalets, purpose-built live fire and mobility demonstration areas and a state-of-the-art media centre.
Moreover, SOFEX will attract world-leading defence media, allowing attendees to increase the profile of their company and innovative technologies.
Today, SOFEX gives its visitors full solutions for special operations forces, stresses technology engagement, creates opportunities for local and international delegations between exhibitors and visitors, and manages match-making for exhibitors and companies participating in the event.
What are the preparations to facilitate the participation of major international exhibitors before and during the event?
We are fortunate that Jordan is the home of SOFEX 2024. Over the years, Jordan has seen major advancements in tourism, services, transportation, infrastructure and human resources, making it easier for the team to organise such a huge event as SOFEX.
The world-class facilities and services that Jordan offers allow SOFEX to cater to the large number of delegates and exhibitors who attend SOFEX every two years. Every sector works hand in hand in Jordan contributing to the success of SOFEX.
As with every large event, we face challenges, but through the years, we have learned how to overcome them by implementing efficient and effective cooperation among all parties. The dedicated support that we receive from the Jordan Armed Forces and security department plays a tremendous role in helping us limit our challenges.
The SOFEX team has gained a significant amount of experience throughout the years in organising such an international event that caters to official delegates from all over the world.
SOFEX is proudly organised by an experienced and vibrant Jordanian team who work tirelessly to ensure every SOFEX edition is successful and rewarding.
What are the highlights of SOFEX 2024 compared to its previous editions?
In terms of numbers, countries, and delegations; we have an increase of 20 countries so far in SOFEX, which is the only exhibition and conference of its kind in the MENA region and I am proud of the fact that the number of participants continues to increase week by week, showcasing a diverse range of technology and equipment in the field of Special Operations and homeland security.
At SOFEX 2024, we hosted 98 countries including military and governmental leaders, decision-makers and exhibitors. The 2024 edition will see the participation of delegates and exhibitors from all around the world, thus cementing SOFEX’s reputation as the premiere event serving the global defence community.
Can you elaborate more on the arrangements of SOFEX this year?
This year, we have planned many side events during SOFEX 2024, like shooting range events. Visitors of SOFEX 2024 will experience fruitful side talks with exhibitors. They will experience live demos built for vehicles, shooting ranges, drones, and anti-drones.
We have worked on increasing the participating numbers of the industrial Jordanian companies specialised in the defence industries to create more collaborations between entities and end-users.
What are your vision and priorities for SOFEX this year? What is the road map ahead?
Today, SOFEX is growing differently as we plan to organise more than one event dedicated to national security. SOFEX is stressing more on the importance of national security, homeland security, cyber security, drones, anti-drones, and artificial intelligence.
SOFEX always aims to place Jordan as a hub and a leader for national security and defence.
What’s the theme of this year’s conference?
The theme of this year’s Middle East Special Operations Commanders conference is entitled “Special Operations Forces, Minimalism, Self-Sustainment, Collaboration, and Adaptability in the modern Battlefield and Grey Zones”.
SOFEX 2024 will kick off with one full day dedicated to a conference that will be attended by Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Armed Forces and Special Operations Commanders from the region and the world.
The conference will provide a platform for dialogue and sharing strategies and experiences, where senior government decision-makers and security analysts will discuss a wide range of issues relevant to global defence, homeland security and Special Operations.
Furthermore, the conference will include interactive sessions to keep participants up to date with the latest developments in the defence industry.●
